Declining since 1985, #586 for girls today.
Popularity of Jennifer since 1919
Babies named Jennifer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 86 |
| 1930s | 368 |
| 1940s | 10,685 |
| 1950s | 43,075 |
| 1960s | 164,413 |
| 1970s | 581,729 |
| 1980s | 440,914 |
| 1990s | 148,041 |
| 2000s | 63,509 |
| 2010s | 15,253 |
| 2020s | 3,624 |
Meaning & origin
Jennifer, a name of Cornish origin, has a long history stretching back to Arthurian legend, but its modern American popularity is largely a phenomenon of the 20th century. First recorded in 1919, the name rose slowly before exploding in usage, eventually reaching its peak in 1974. That year, it was a top choice for baby girls across the nation, including in its leading states Nevada, South Carolina, and Indiana. Though it remains a recognizable classic, its trajectory has been falling since 1985, and by 2025 it ranked 586th, given to about 1 in every 3,208 girls. The name's steady decline means that today's Jennifers are mostly grown, but the name retains a certain warm familiarity.
Derived from the Cornish name Gwynnever, which combines gwynn meaning 'white, fair' with some second element, possibly hwyfar 'smooth' or a phantom-related word. The name was later adapted into Welsh as Gwenhwyfar and into English as Guinevere, associated with the legendary queen in Arthurian romance. The spelling Jennifer emerged as a distinct English form by the 19th century, and it saw a dramatic rise in usage in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Where Jennifer is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jennifer” around the world
Where Jennifer lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jen, Jenny, Jenna, Jenn
Sibling names for Jennifer
Names that share Jennifer's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Jessica, Amanda, Melissa, Stephanie, Nicole, Heather, Kim, Kimberly, Kristen, Kristine, Kristy, Lauren, Melinda, Pamela, Stacey, Stacy, Carolynn, Christin, Jacklyn, Julieann, Kathi, Kimberlee, Kristal, Kristie, Malissa, Mellissa, Melonie, Michell, Stefanie, Steffany, Stephenie, Yoselin, Cristen, Jacalyn, Jackelyn, Jennell, Jesica, Julee, Krissy, Melissia, Mellisa, Steffanie, Stephannie, Angelynn, Brittiny, Chrissie, Christle, Courteney, Danille, Estephany, Jacilyn, Jenel, Jennessa, Khristine, Kimberle, Kimberlyann, Kriste, Kristee, Kristene, Kristyne, Krysti, Krystine, Sintia, Stepahnie, Stepanie, Stephaney, Stepheny, Stephnie, Stevee, Tiffiany, Tiffiney, Yennifer, Angelmarie, Cariann, Carrieanne, Chirstina, Christyne, Chrystie, Ennifer, Hillari, Jennel, Jennier, Jesscia, Jessicah, Jessicca, Karolynn, Kellye, Kellyjo, Khristy, Kimbely, Kristianne, Laurann, Leslieann, Maryfer, Meganne, Melissaann, Millisa, Samanthajo, Staphanie, Stefanee, Stehanie, Teffany, Amand, Cynthya, Jacyln, Jeanee, Stepfanie, Andreal, Christeena, Christyl, Cythnia, Jacalynn, Jaclyne, Jacqulynn, Jassica, Jenniferann, Jennise, Jillisa, Jinnifer, Khristie, Kimberla, Kinberly, Krystale, Lizmary, Loribeth, Mashelle, Melizza, Millissa, Nicolemarie, Nikcole, Stephanine, Stepheni, Stephonie, Stpehanie
Brothers: Jason, Justin, Brian, Kevin, Matthew, Derek, Jeffery, Jeffrey, Johnathan, Kristopher, Micheal, Mike, Jarrod, Jeffry, Jerrod, Kirk, Derreck, Geoffery, Jasson, Jefferey, Jeramie, Jereme, Jermey, Jeromy, Jerrad, Jerred, Jerrick, Jhonny, Jonmichael, Dennys, Jeffory, Jeffrie, Jefrey, Jeramey, Jerimy, Jerrid, Johnthan, Jonthan, Timonthy, Chadric, Christoher, Jeffre, Jefry, Jermy, Mitcheal, Christifer, Christopherjame, Darryel, Jefferie, Jeffey, Jeffree, Michaeal
Names like Jennifer
Names whose popularity has moved with Jennifer's over the last 50 years.
